As she mingled with patrons of EnergyStock 2012, the alternative energy festival she has been planning since January, her bucket didn't fill with much money. Instead, her smile - beaming along with the sun - invited conversations she said she thinks are long overdue.

"People need to know there are alternative options (to fossil fuel energy sources) and that they are affordable," said Beachley, a York resident and member of the Green Party of York County.

The festival was organized by Green Party volunteers, but Beachley emphasized that it was a non-partisan event.

"We need to get a closer relationship with the community as a whole so we can work toward bigger things," Beachley said.

Beachley arranged for 10 vendors to join the festival including local farmers, wind and solar energy installers, energy auditors and special interest groups like the Stewards of the Lower Susquehanna Inc.

Kate Hufnagel, vice chairwoman of the SOLS board, said the patrons she talked to at the event were enthusiastic.